Tuesday, April 30, 2024

A to Z April Challenge 2024: Z for ZANY PRAMOD MISHRA

Image courtesy: https://www.freepik.com/

ZANY means Silly, Whacky or Ridiculous. Believe me, the character Pramod Mishra from my book GROOMNAPPED is all three of these, and more. 

The first book in The Groom Series is available on Kindle, and Kindle Unlimited. 

Some passages from my book to let you know more about the man who’s my heroine’s colleague and is keen to marry her. Yes, you read that correctly. He is not in love with her, but wants her to be his wife.

Excerpt 1

Pramod Mishra’s hair was well-oiled with sarson ka tel that could be smelled from a mile away. Parted in a straight line exactly in the middle, as if he used a ruler to mark the parting, Mishra had combed his hair ruthlessly on both sides of his skull. Though thick, his hair tended to cling to his scalp because of the amount of mustard oil that he used every day to slick it into position. With thick and black round frames for his glasses, he looked like an owl as he peered at those around him. His face was shaved to an inch of its life and appeared as soft as a baby’s bottom, much to the women staff’s mirth. 

Mishra was probably in his late twenties but gave the appearance of one in his forties. Dressed in loose cotton pants and a looser short-sleeved kurta, a cloth bag hanging from his right shoulder all the way to his knee, he gave the impression of a complete nerd. Except for the lack of intelligence. 

His only saving grace was that Mishra could bring to life anything he drew and painted. The birds and animals appeared to breathe from the canvas after he had finished with them. 


Excerpt 2

“Hello Surekha, I was just telling Pratibha about visiting your home yesterday.”

Surekha gave Pramod a stern nod, her regular smile absent. 

Pramod Mishra, who all this long had never had the temerity to talk to her about his feelings, spoke now. “Did you and your family discuss things over?”

She scowled at him. “What things?”

“Er… regarding our marriage…” He stopped mid-sentence when he saw her raised hand.

“Didn’t you hear what my father said to your mother yesterday?” Surekha gave Mishra an angry look that just bounced off the man like water off a duck’s back. 

Mishra shrugged. “I understand that my mother’s demands must have seemed rather startling. You shouldn’t worry about them. Please reassure your parents too. I have told amma that she shouldn’t ask for everything, not all at one go. Just get the marriage over with ten tolas of gold. Your father can give the rest of it over the next two years.”    

Pratibha placed a supporting hand over Surekha’s shoulder, hoping to calm her down. Not that she was really surprised by her friend’s fuming temper. By now, Mishra must be aware of how poor Surekha and her family were. How dared he ask for so much dowry? Had he no shame? And wasn’t he aware of what a horrid personality he possessed? How in the name of hell did he think that he deserved so much in the name of dowry? All because he was a man?

“Mishraji, I don’t think you understand.” Pratibha spoke, unable to stop herself. “It’s not a question of paying you immediately or over the next few years. The dowry you are asking is simply too much. Surekha…”

Mishra stood up straighter, raising himself to his full height of 5’9”. “You don’t know what you’re talking about, Pratibha. After all, you’re a young girl yourself. Men like me demand way more than what my mother is asking Surekha’s father. I…”

Kabhi apni shakal dekhi hai aaine mein?” Surekha snarled. She didn’t care that she had stooped so low as to insult Mishra’s bad looks. How dare he? How dare he think that he had the right to demand so much from her father? That too with his stupid-looking face and mediocre lifestyle? 

Mishra saw red. “Just because the rich and handsome Ameya is spending time with you, don’t even imagine he’s going to make an honest woman out of you. If at all he weds you, his parents will demand five times as much dowry as my mother did. Tell your father to wake up soon and save enough to pay for your wedding, not to forget your two younger sisters. He seems so irresponsible, your father…” 

“Shut up, Mishra. Don’t you dare insult my father. Whether my sisters and I get married or not is none of your business. And let me tell you something. All this long, I was not too worried that my parents couldn’t afford to pay big dowries for us. But after yesterday, I am so glad that they can’t afford to pay you.  Otherwise, imagine my fate, being landed with you as my husband. Ugh!”

Monday, April 29, 2024

A to Z April Challenge 2024: Y for PRINCESS YASHODARA

 

Image courtesy: https://www.freepik.com/

Yashodara is the heroine of my story THE MARRIAGE PREDICAMENT. A contemporary princess from India, Yashodara is beautiful and intelligent, but with a inexplicable fear buried deep inside her. 

Her protests are not taken heed of when her marriage is arranged to Prince Indrajeet Thakore, by her mother and his grandmother.  

Something terrible happens on their wedding night, something which makes her husband, the Thakore prince, wake up to his wife’s fear. But will he be patient enough to get to the bottom of the crisis which pervades Yashodara’s very soul?

Read the first book in The Thakore Royals trilogy to know more. The Marriage Predicament is available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited and in Paperback. 

Story-in-Brief

Princess Yashodhara Jadeja of Bhatewar isn't at all keen to get married. With her tarnished past, she knows that her married life would never be easy. But, between her father's Will and her mother's persuasion, she's left with no choice.

Prince Indrajeet Thakore of Udaipur agrees to meet Yashodhara as a prospective wife after his grandmother, Rajmata Santhini Devi, persuades him. While no cymbals crash at their first meeting, the couple grow to like and respect one another before they agree to tie the knot.

Both belong to royal families and both have responsibilities. Over and above all that, their marriage is plagued by a predicament, just as Yashodhara had expected. It looks like they can lead a happy married life only if the princess is willing to break a promise. Will she be able to do that? And will Prince Indrajeet continue to love her once he gets to know about her past?

Saturday, April 27, 2024

A to Z April Challenge 2024: X for XENIAL MAHESHWARIS

 

XENIAL means warm, welcoming, and hospitable, which is what the MAHESHWARIS are.

The Maheshwari family is from Rajasthan. I introduced them to my in THE RUNAWAY BRIDEGROOM, the first book in the Marriages Made in India series. And till today, the Maheshwaris remain the favourite of many of my readers. 

At that point, Mohan and Meera Maheshwari, parents of five children, were arranging the child marriage of their eight-year-old daughter, Chanda. They are farmers from a small village in interior Rajasthan and didn’t know better. 

Mohan Maheshwari wakes up to the horror of his little daughter left alone by her teenage bridegroom when the boy runs away. But the head of the Maheshwaris is unfazed. He decides to shift his family of four sons and one daughter, and settles in Jaipur along with his wife.

He watches and learns from the people around him, insisting on educating all his children. An affectionate father in the guise of a strict one, he has no expectations from his children. It doesn’t matter to Papa Maheshwari that none of his sons want to join the grocery business he has set up in Jaipur. 


The eldest Ram Maheshwari (THE SMITTEN HUSBAND) designs gold jewellery and sets up his own retail shop. Lakshman Maheshwari (HER SECRET HUSBAND) is in the bakery business. Bharat Maheshwari (THE CASANOVA’S WIFE) is a fashion model. The youngest Shatrughan Maheshwari (HER BOHEMIAN HUSBAND) is a globe trotter for life. 


There is a bonus book in this series, with a couple of Maheshwaris playing in the sidelines. It is called HIS DRUNKEN WIFE, and are about characters I introduced in the first book.



Friday, April 26, 2024

A to Z April Challenge 2024: W for WRITTEN IN THE STARS

 

From the time I was a teenager, I have been fascinated with star signs which supposedly rule us. While the western world is divided by twelve stars, the Indian world is a bit different, with twenty-seven of those.

That said, I thought a combo of two star signs per romance novel, one for each protagonist, was perfect for a series of six novels, and that is how my romance series WRITTEN IN THE STARS was born.
 
Most importantly, I need to mention Linda Goodman, and her book LOVE SIGNS. I keep reading this book on and off, and continue to find hidden gems in the characteristics of the various star signs. 

The titles of the first three books are based on the hero’s star sign, and the next three on the heroine’s star sign.

 
Books in the series

SCORPIO SUPERSTAR is the story of Chandrakanth, a Scorpio who is the superstar of the South Indian film industry. His love interest is Ranjini, his social media manager, who is a Pisces.

LEO’S DESIRE is about industrialist Nishaan Ahuja, a pushy Leo with a powerful roar. He falls in love with Chaahat, an Aries fashion model who is as stubborn as they come. Chaahat in Hindi means Desire. Now you know how the title was born.
 
TAURUS TEMPTATION is the story of Vidyut Kamat, a Taurus who leaves his cushy job to set up a coffee shop, resulting in his fiancée dumping him. But it’s Cancerian Haasini, a blogger, who is all encouragement, making him a perfect life partner.

VIRGO’S KRUSH is about Sanjana and Krish. Sparks fly the moment they meet and a child is born. The meticulous Capricorn wants to marry his child’s mother, but the Virgo doesn’t want to marry without love. I coined the word KRUSH, combining Krish and Crush. 

LIBRA’S FLAME is the story of successful business woman Dipika. The Libra is attracted to Mudit, a Gemini, who returns her feelings in full. While the stars match well, his family don’t agree.

AQUARIUS REBEL is about Shreya and Chirag. Attraction flares between the Aquarius woman and Sagittarius man from the beginning. But that doesn’t mean they want to tie the knot. Will Chirag be too late to stop Shreya marrying someone else? 

You can stalk her @
      

Thursday, April 25, 2024

A to Z April Challenge 2024: V for PRINCE VIKRAMASIMHA

 

Image Courtesy: https://www.freepik.com/

THE BANISHED PRINCE is my latest historical romance novel published in January 2024. Vikramasimha is the prince who is banished from the kingdom by his own father, the king.
 
By the time he goes to the rescue of Princess Sarvani who is fleeing from a most unsuitable marriage, Vikrama has become a soldier of fortune. 

While Vikramasimha and Sarvani get closer, the princess isn’t sure if she could trust a warrior whose services are available to the highest bidder. 

Is the banished prince as bad as he seems? Will Sarvani be able to trust the man she’s fallen in love with?

Read the story on Kindle. It’s also free on Kindle Unlimited.

An Excerpt

There was no expression on the accused prince’s face which appeared stony. But that did not take away from his handsomeness. His broad forehead was softened by the unruly curls of hair which fell on it, how much ever the prince tried to keep them in place, while long strands of hair fell to his massive shoulders. His thick and dark eyebrows arched over large, deep-set eyes which were a dark brown tending towards black, surrounded by eyelashes which would have appeared feminine on any other man. As for his cheeks, they were sharp and clean shaven, a thick and luxurious moustache on his upper lip, which was brushed back to curl upwards, underscoring his masculinity. His nose was perfectly centred and was as prominent and sharp as those of the flock of golden eagles Vikramasimha used for hunting. As for his mouth, while it appeared grim right now, the shape and thickness of his lips suggested to a passion for life and enjoyment which was inherent in him. His chin was strong and determined, except for the cleft right in the middle which added a touch of unexpected softness.

At two and twenty, Vikramasimha had seen his share of battles at his father’s and brother’s sides and had many scars to prove it, the most prominent being the one on the inside of his left forearm, from his inner elbow all the way to his thick, manly wrist. 

What truly fascinated everyone was the devil-may-care expression on the prince’s face, as if he was not being accused of a heinous crime, and that too, by no one less than the chief minister himself.


Story-in-Brief

Prince Vikramasimha might be considered a rogue by some, but even then, the people of the kingdom of Kaushambi are shocked when the king, his father, banishes the younger prince from the kingdom, after he is declared guilty of committing a heinous crime.

Princess Sarvani is heartbroken when her father, the king of Rajagriha, dies suddenly. She runs away from the palace to escape an unwanted marriage with her stepbrother, Charukesi, who wants to ascend the throne as the next king.

The prince saves the princess’s life when she is shot by a poisonous arrow, not divulging his identity. The two are attracted to each other, and grow close.

But how can Sarvani trust Vikrama, the warrior, when she finds out he is a soldier of fortune? Especially considering that she has not a single coin to offer him, while her stepmother has her kingdom’s coffers in her control?

Is Sarvani safe from the mercenary she has fallen in love with?

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

A to Z April Challenge 2024: U for UNABASHED DAYANITA

 

The Oxford Dictionary meaning for an UNABASHED person is someone who is not embarrassed, disconcerted, or ashamed regarding anything. This adjective perfectly fits Princess Dayanita Thakore, the heroine of my novel THE WOOING OF THE SHREW.

Unabashed Dayanita, who belongs to the Thakore contemporary royal family, is thoroughly spoilt by her grandmother. The youngest of three siblings (the other two being her brothers Indrajeet and Rajvardhan), Dayanita is totally rude and a tantrum-throwing queen. And there’s just about no one who can handle her.
 
On the verge of wasting her life away, chasing a man who finds her juvenile, she’s saved by her brother from embarrassing herself deeply. 

Falling in love with the Unabashed Dayanita, it is Prince Harshvardhan Singh Gaekwad who takes upon himself the task of THE WOOING OF THE SHREW. This Contemporary Royal Romance novel is available on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited and in Paperback.

 
Story-in-Brief

Dayanita Thakore is a prickly princess who doesn’t care for the idea of any man getting close to her… until Prince Harshvardhan Singh Gaekwad turns up in her life.

Sparks fly even at their first meeting when the Princess of Udaipur clashes with the Prince of Baroda.

He falls in love with the fiery princess while she fights her attraction to him tooth and nail.

He woos her, beguiles her, cherishes her…

…while the princess feels that maybe he couldn’t love such a tempestuous woman such as herself.

But before they could cross the great divide and get to know each other, something happens, something terrible that might just blow their lives apart.

Do they have a chance at a happily ever after?


Tuesday, April 23, 2024

A to Z April Challenge 2024: T for TWIN TORMENT

 

TWIN TORMENT is exactly what the title suggests. The story is about Ansh and Arth Sharma who are the bane of Sanya’s life. She had held a childhood crush for Arth, which was before she moved to London with her parents.

Returning to Mumbai after twelve years, she’s truly excited at the thought of reconnecting with Arth. Only to find herself spending most of her time with the terrible twin, Ansh. 

Arth doesn’t seem to be interested in Sanya at all. Will Sanya’s trip to India be worth the effort? It’s a journey of a young woman not only finding love, but also finding herself.

 
Story-in-Brief

London based Sanya Chaturvedi is bored of the party circuit. The only child of a rich businessman, Sanya hates her aimless life and grabs the chance to revisit Mumbai, where she had spent the first twelve years of her life.

The main attraction is her childhood sweetheart Arth Sharma. She hopes to rekindle the love she used to feel for him as a kid.
Sanya’s thrilled with the opportunity to holiday with the Sharmas. But it’s Arth’s tormenting twin Ansh who insists on spending time with her while the man of her dreams is never around. And the worst part is that her body plays traitor, lusting after the devilishly handsome Ansh.

Will Sanya find relief from her bored life? And the love she came in search of? Read the book to find how destiny plays a strong role as Sanya deals with the Twin Torment in her life.

Monday, April 22, 2024

A to Z April Challenge 2024: S for SING FOR ME

SING FOR ME is the first book in my Bollywood Bros trilogy and follows the story of Vivaan Chandhok and Mili Sharma. Vivaan loves music and enjoys his work as the head of a famous Bollywood music house. 

Mili is one of the contestants at the music talent show organised by Vivaan’s company. They both are attracted to each other, Vivaan admiring her singing from the bottom of his heart.

He keeps his distance from her, not keen on the paparazzi pointing a finger at Mili, as she is one of the top most contestants, while he owns the music company.

She’s stolen from right under his nose when Ankit, the singer who wins the contest, proposes marriage to Mili.

Read SING FOR ME to find out if the heartbroken Vivaan ever finds happiness. This book is available on Kindle and is FREE on Kindle Unlimited.


Story-in-Brief

Mili lacks self-confidence when she arrives in Mumbai to take part in a singing contest. It’s young Vivaan who goes to her rescue and they are deeply attracted to each other.

But he keeps his distance from Mili once the contest begins in earnest, to avoid her name being trashed by the paparazzi…

…only for her to be stolen from right under his nose by Ankit who goes on to marry her, breaking Vivaan’s heart in the process.

Six years later…

Mili leaves her abusive marriage, deciding to walk alone. Will Vivaan be able to win her now? And find happiness with the woman he never stopped loving?
 
*D for Dance with Me is Book 2 of Bollywood Bros trilogy.


 

Saturday, April 20, 2024

A to Z April Challenge 2024: R for THE RUNAWAY BRIDEGROOM


THE RUNAWAY BRIDEGROOM is a novel I wrote while working full time. I used to blog my novels those days as there were no takers for them in the traditional publishing world. I also used to manage my kitchen, making no less than three meals every day.

Well, the story wanted to be told, the characters insisting on having their say; and how could I refuse? I used to write one chapter per week, publishing them every Friday. Even today, in its final form, most of the thirty-eight chapters in this book are brief, all because I had managed to write one chapter every Thursday night, determined not to give up telling my stories.

There was another feedback many readers insisted on giving me: They have only heard of runaway brides, but never of any runaway bridegroom. I’m only thrilled that my tale is unique. 

Jokes apart, this story is about child marriage (a taboo subject, but still prevalent in the smallest of villages in India) and I had to tell my version of such a wedding. 

The Runaway Bridegroom is also the first book in the Marriages Made in India series which consists of 6 books in all. 


Story-in-Brief: 

Chanda Maheshwari’s family is shaken when her thirteen-year-old bridegroom Veerendra runs away immediately after the wedding. The eight-year-old child doesn’t even understand the impact on her life. Unable to face their neighbours and friends, the Maheshwaris move from their village to Jaipur and begin a new life in the city.

Fourteen years later, Chanda is studying in a Delhi College. She takes up a temporary job at RS Software Pvt. Ltd. and falls head-over-heels for the boss of the operation. But what about Ranveer Singh? Is he interested in her?

Ranveer’s secretary Shikha is desperate to make him fall for her. All she wants is life-long security with a rich man. But it’s nerd Abhimanyu who keeps getting in the way. Abhi is Ranveer’s second-in-command and Shikha isn’t keen on him as she’s eyeing the main chance.

When Ranveer appears to show interest in Chanda, she’s faced with a new problem. Astrologer Vidyasagar insists that she would get back with her husband Veerendra. Does anyone want to know what she wants?

Chanda feels torn between the man she has fallen for and the family values that have been instilled in her. Will she ever find happiness?

Friday, April 19, 2024

A to Z April Challenge 2024: Q for QUEENLY CHITRANGADA VASUDEVA

 

Princess Chitrangada Vasudeva puts on some queenly airs, whenever she feels like it. This princess with her queenly attitude, features in my contemporary royal romance novel called TIED IN KNOTS, the 2nd book in The Thakore Royals trilogy.

Prince Rajvardhan Thakore goes to her rescue in the middle of a snowstorm in Zurich. They are forced to share his hotel suite, with Chitrangada throwing royal tantrums. Sparks fly, and how!

Her father tries to force her into a marriage with Raja Harischandra Gajanan, who is his own contemporary. The princess fights her father, only to be pushed into a corner. Will her queenly attitude help her out of the situation? Read my book to know more.  


An excerpt from my book:

It was a good fifteen minutes before she stepped out of the bathroom, clad only in the t-shirt that smelled of him—a musky perfume and all male. She wondered if she would be able to sleep with his perfume clinging to her. Stepping out, she saw that the lights were off in the bedroom as she tiptoed her way to the sitting room, shutting the door softly behind her.

Sleep failed to come as Rajvardhan lay on his back, the comforter drawn over his naked body, his hands stacked under his head. Princess! He was sure that wasn’t her real name. But she definitely has royal airs, he thought, a smile on his face. She was beautiful, almost ethereally so, until you caught the aggression in her eyes that indicated that she was a rebel. A rebel princess! Her charcoal eyes glowed with joy, burned in anger, or danced with mischief, never still for a moment, capturing his attention completely. He had had a difficult time keeping his distance from her. But then, Prince Rajvardhan Thakore would never take advantage of a woman. For all her brave talk, he could see that she had been nervous about spending the night in his suite. He wondered about the actual truth. He didn’t believe that she had no room booked in her name in the European city. Her story had been too tall to swallow. Rajvardhan grinned to himself, sure by now that she was playing truant. Now that, he could understand as he so loved to do it himself.
 
He got up to punch his pillows into a more comfortable shape before lying down again. But sleep continued to elude him. Maybe a glass of hot milk would help. The hotel had twenty-four hours room service. He got up to pull on a pair of shorts before walking into the sitting room. He had better check if Princess needed something too.
 
“Hey!” 

Chitrangada fell off the sofa, startled to hear his voice. She had been tossing on her makeshift bed, doing her best to find a comfortable position, only to fail. She fitted on the sofa only if she pulled her knees close to her chest. But that was no inducement to sleep. And she had been sure that Raj must be out like the light. He had said that he was too tired and needed his beauty’s sleep, hadn’t he?!
 
What the hell was he doing here in her room now?

She got up from the floor, muttering curses in both Hindi and English as she rubbed a hand over her hip that had hit the floor. Not that anything more than her ego had been really hurt as the carpet was too thick. “What do you want?” she asked him rudely, before sitting on the sofa with a plonk.

“I’m going to order some hot milk. Do you need anything from room service?”

Chitrangada brightened. “Can I have pizza? I just realised that I’m hungry. That’s probably the reason I’m unable to sleep. Couldn’t you sleep either?” She asked as an afterthought.

Rajvardhan bit his lip to stop himself from laughing. Somehow, he didn’t think she would appreciate his amusement. She looked adorable in his t-shirt that fell to mid-thigh, her long, long legs appearing slim and sexy. Her hair was tumbled all over her face, making her appear cute. “That’s right. Do you have a craving for some special topping, Princess? Or anything will do?” He went to the dining table and picked up the menu before handing it over to her.

Chitrangada watched him walk away from her, her eyes drawn to his strong, bare legs, the muscles rippling as he moved. It looked like he was blessed with way more than his share of good looks. “Do you think I can have chunks of chicken, onions and peppers, topped with loads of cheese?” She drooled as she thought of the pizza, her stomach growling. She had only munched on starters at the party she had been to, too distracted by thoughts of escaping her bodyguards to eat a proper dinner.

“Let me check,” said Rajvardhan, lifting the receiver to call room service. “Would you like to drink something?”

“Wine?” She smiled, her dimples flashing, catching his gaze. She paused before talking again, “On second thoughts, I’ll have coffee. I need something hot.”

His eyebrow went up in query as he spoke into the phone, placing their orders. “Coffee then? Are you sure you won’t change your mind again?” His eyes danced as he looked at her.
Chitrangada tried to glare at him but failed. The situation is too surreal, she thought as her lips curled in an inadvertent smile which made her eyes glow.
 
Rajvardhan placed the hand phone on its stand, staring at her dumbfounded. If anything, she appeared more beautiful than earlier. And he realised he liked his t-shirt on her, hugging her luscious curves. Realising that he was staring, he turned his gaze to the window and walked towards it, pushing back the curtains to look down at the near-empty road. 

She cleared her throat loudly, trying to draw his attention. Failing, she called out, “Raj.”

He turned his head halfway, refusing to move from his position. She was a walking temptation and he wanted to stay as far away as possible. “What?”

“Why don’t you sit down? You seem threatening somehow, when you are on your feet.” He must be a few inches above six feet for sure. Not that should really be threatening, considering that she was so tall herself. But Chitrangada had suddenly decided that she would like to know this handsome hunk some more. And she couldn’t deny that he was considerate. He hadn’t found her request for pizza strange at all, despite it being half past two in the morning. 

He sighed. Talk about temptation calling! She was literally calling out to him. Unable to resist, he walked over and sat on the bed she had made out of the sofa.

“I didn’t exactly mean right there.” Chitrangada muttered in a small voice, scowling in his direction. As it is, it had been difficult to get to sleep. Now, he was creating more memories by parking his butt on her bed. 

“You’re too demanding, Princess.” There was laughter in Rajvardhan’s voice as he looked up at her, patting the space next to him. “Why don’t you sit down too? Unless it’s your turn to take a threatening stance.”
 
“Very funny.” 


Thursday, April 18, 2024

A to Z April Challenge 2024: P for PRESS RESTART

PRESS RESTART is my upcoming romance novel, to be released in April 2024. I am excited to have completed the story the day before yesterday. As on today, it is with my beta reader, Lakshmi Ranganathan. I am hoping to publish it on Amazon soon after I incorporate her feedback, do a final round of proofreading and formatting.

A brief introduction to my protags:

HE is Pritesh Lohia who is unhappily married to a wicked woman. Working for an investment company, he's super successful financially, but his personal life is in shambles...

SHE is Mahika Rajput, his executive assistant who falls head long in love with her boss the first time she sets eyes on him, unaware that he's a married man. Does her love disappear when she knows he's tied to someone else? The heart seems to understand no logic...

Things go from bad to worse, and the only way forward is to Press Restart.

 

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

A to Z April Challenge 2024: O for ONCE BITTEN TWICE LUCKY

 

ONCE BITTEN TWICE LUCKY is the story of divorce lawyer Deepshika Arora and businessman Karan Iyer; and is the first romance novel in the Arora Iyers trilogy.

Deepshika is divorced from her womaniser husband and has two teenage children, Darsh and Myra. Karan’s wife leaves him in the middle of the night, leaving a note saying that she doesn’t want to remain married to him. She doesn’t seem to be bothered about leaving their daughter Krutika in her husband’s sole care.

Sparks fly when Karan goes to meet Deepshika, the lawyer, to divorce his wife. Both of them are once bitten; will they be lucky the second time round? 


Story-in-Brief:

Deepshika feels as free as a bird once she decides to kick her womaniser husband out of her life. The lawyer is confident of bringing up her teenage kids with her father’s help.

Karan isn’t all that upset when his wife dumps him, leaving behind their preteen daughter for him to bring up. But the alimony she claims comes as a rude shock.

Sparks fly when the shocked husband meets the divorced, divorce lawyer. But what will happen when their respective children come face to face? Will they accept their parents’ relationship or rebel against it?

Will the once bitten Deepshika and Karan be lucky in their relationship the second time?



Tuesday, April 16, 2024

A to Z April Challenge 2024: N for Naavya Batra

 

Naavya Batra is the heroine of the only romantic fantasy I wrote, which is called LOVE IN AGARTHA. Naavya is orphaned as a child and goes to live with her father’s brother and his family. While her uncle Ravi, and her cousins, Ritesh and Romesh, love her, her aunt Renu resents Naavya. So much so that Renu slaps the child hard one day, which makes Naavya go deaf.  

Naavya and her cousins go to Mumbai on a holiday when they visit Karnala Caves. Not heeding the warning sign to keep people out, she walks into a deep cave, with her cousins following her. All three are suddenly sucked into a bottomless pit and find themselves in different realms. While the boys fall elsewhere, Naavya falls in Agartha, a city in the fifth dimension.
 
Most startling of all is the fact that Naavya regains her hearing prowess. She meets Sanat Kumara, the prince of Agartha, who falls in love with her. Is Naavya ready to forget her life back home on earth and remain with him? And what about her cousins? Where are they? Read this romantic fantasy to travel between the third, fourth and fifth dimensions and find your answers. 


Story-in-Brief:

When Sanat Kumara usurps the job that Naavya Batra has been coveting since a long time, her instantaneous attraction towards him turns to intense dislike.

But soon, she's all in admiration for the man. When she finally decides to give herself to him, Sanat insists on telling Naavya something about her…

…something she has absolutely no memory of.

What does Sanat know about Naavya that she herself isn’t aware of? And what secrets are her cousins holding back from her?

Read this tale of fantasy which takes you to three different realms on the earth, to find out if Sanat Kumara is really what he appears to be on the surface. But what about Naavya? Will her love for Sanat hold up under the circumstances?